Barrett M90
Barrett Firearms Manufacturing · Sniper Rifle · Discontinued · 1990
Also known as: Barrett Model 90
Overview
The Barrett M90 is a bolt-action, bullpup anti-materiel sniper rifle chambered in .50 BMG. Introduced in 1990 as a lighter, manually operated counterpart to the semi-automatic M82, it combined a compact bullpup layout with a fluted barrel and integrated muzzle brake to tame the powerful cartridge. Fed from a five-round detachable box magazine and mounting optics on a Picatinny rail, it was produced until 1995 when it was superseded by the improved M95.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 9980 g (352.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1145 mm (45.08") |
| Barrel Length | 737 mm (29.02") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 853 m/s (2799 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 18000 J (13276 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 1800 m (1968 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 6800 m (7437 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | 8 Grooves, Right-Hand Twist |
| Rifling Twist | 381 mm (15.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 8 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- .50 BMG · primary · 12.7x99mm NATO — also known as .50 BMG, .50 Browning Machine Gun, 12.7x99mm, .50 caliber
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Bullpup Layout, Fluted Barrel, Integrated Muzzle Brake, Folding Bipod, Picatinny Optics Rail, No Iron Sights
Production
Production years: 1990-1995
Discontinued in 1995 and replaced by the M95.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Ronnie Barrett
Discontinued: 1995
Notes
Superseded by the Barrett M95, which relocated the magazine ahead of the trigger group and refined the design. The M90 is sometimes cited with an overall length of 1143 mm.
Background
The M90 marked Barrett's move to a bolt-action, bullpup .50-caliber rifle, offering a lighter and more affordable alternative to the semi-automatic M82 for anti-materiel and long-range roles.